Khorezm official detained on bribery suspicion in tax case

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A criminal case has been opened in Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region against an employee of the Bureau of Compulsory Enforcement, law enforcement authorities said on 15 May 2026.

According to officials, a state executor from the Khiva district department of the bureau allegedly abused his official position by demanding and receiving US$1,500 from a citizen born in 1995 in exchange for helping to “resolve” outstanding tax debts.

The case involved tax arrears totaling 4,526,000 soums, as well as additional land and property tax liabilities amounting to 22,822,000 soums attributed to the citizen and his father.

Authorities said the funds were obtained through intermediaries in return for a promise to influence the outcome of the case through contacts with other officials.

The suspect was detained by officers of the State Security Service while receiving the money.

A criminal investigation has been launched, and investigative actions are ongoing.